Almond Restaurant, French Bistro Friendly in Bridgehampton

In the spring of 2001, co-owners Jason Weiner and Eric Lemonides opened Almond Restaurant in Bridgehampton offering reasonable prices, bold bistro fare, friendly service and an attractive dining room reminiscent of a Parisian bistro.

“Almond has brought the French bistro to the Hamptons,” says Joanne Starkey of The New York Times. Adam Bar & Bistro, 1970 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, NY (631) 537-8885

Chef Jason Weiner’s menu is comprised of many French bistro favorites. Traditional Escargot with a divine sauce of garlic and Pernod; Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with roasted beets in a horseradish crème fraiche; and a spirited salad of endive, pear and Roquefort candied walnuts are a few sample starters that win praise.

Sample entrees that please the palate include tasty Steak Frites with roasted shallots; Montauk Flounder with preserved lemon, garlic chips and bread crumbs; the slow-cooked fall off the bone Braised Shank of Lamb with roasted onions and fingerling potatoes; and Roasted Chicken with crushed potatoes and natural sauce.

Side dishes are also a standout menu item at Almond such as haricots vert, French fries, sautéed greens, chive crusted potatoes and homemade macaroni and cheese. And of course there is a delicious hamburger, a croque monsieur and a croque madame.

All these appetizing dishes at “bistro-moderate prices,” as Starkey describes, makes everything taste even better.

Friendliness is a hallmark of Almond, co-owner Eric Lemonides greets every diner at the door. Warm golden walls, pressed tin ceiling, votive candlelight, hardwood floors, antique mirrors and a long copper planter box dividing the bar from the dining room serve to create a soothing atmosphere.

In the spirit of liberté, egalité and fraternité, Almond seems to attract just about everyone – families, couples, celebrities, locals and everyone in between. It is chic and stylish, but utterly without attitude. Newsday food critic Joan Reminick sums up Almond in three simple words, “French, friendly, fun.”